Australian sport’s most powerful mental health moment returns as Spud's Game invites fans to 'Light Up The Dark’, powered by Medibank at Marvel Stadium on Sunday 9 August as part of the AFLW-AFL Double Header.
For the sixth consecutive year, the opening bounce of the AFL match between St Kilda and Carlton will be delayed by two minutes, creating space for the football community to pause, connect and unite in support of mental health.
This year’s moment will see Hollywood star and life-long St Kilda supporter Eric Bana, St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt and former AFLW star and presenter Abbey Holmes unite to lead this iconic moment.
Fans are being urged to arrive early to watch the AFLW Season Opener between St Kilda and Carlton and be in their seat for one of Australian sport's most powerful annual traditions, with Spud's Game set to reimagine its iconic two-minute mental health moment.
A stadium-wide light show will see around 40,000 fans illuminate Marvel Stadium together as a powerful symbol of this year's campaign theme, Better Together, while raising vital funds for the Danny Frawley Community, part of the Black Dog Institute.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7.10pm, with instructions to participate in the light show available via QR codes throughout the stadium before the moment begins.
Spud's Game 6 is shaping up to be the biggest in the event's history, coinciding with the first-ever AFLW and AFL double header at Marvel Stadium. The AFLW season opener between St Kilda and Carlton begins at 4.35pm, before the AFL clash at 7.20pm, bringing the football community together across both competitions for one shared cause.
St Kilda Football Club CEO Carl Dilena said the two-minute moment had become one of the most meaningful traditions in Australian sport.
"For six years, we've paused the game to remind Australians that mental health deserves our attention, and every year the impact continues to grow," Dilena said.
"This year, we're taking that moment to another level. With support from Medibank, the 'Light Up The Dark' will transform Marvel Stadium into a powerful symbol of hope, connection and community.
“We hope to see more than 40,000 people standing together, united by one message that no one has to face life's challenges alone.”
Head of Danny Frawley Community Chelsea Frawley said this annual moment has become the cornerstone of Spud’s Game.
“We know that 1 in 5 Australians experienced a mental illness in the past year, which is more than 4.3 million people across the country,” Frawley said.
“This important moment not only reminds people they are not alone, but it helps the Danny Frawley Community to raise vital funds which supports the community’s growing mental health needs.
"Whether you get involved in Spud’s 6 through showing up, donating or simply check in on a mate, every action matters. That's what Better Together is all about.”
Funds raised through Spud’s Game power mental fitness programs, research, and prevention by Danny Frawley Community, part of Black Dog Institute, to support grassroots clubs, schools and communities.
Fans are encouraged to make a donation on the night by scanning the QR codes displayed throughout Marvel Stadium and during the broadcast.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
Spud's Game 6 | AFLW & AFL Double Header
Sunday 9 August | Marvel Stadium
AFLW: St Kilda v Carlton | 4.35pm (Season Opener)
AFL: St Kilda v Carlton | 7.20pm
Fans are encouraged to:
- Arrive early and support the AFLW season opener
- Be in their seats by 7.10pm for Light Up The Dark, powered by Medibank
- Scan the QR code before the two-minute moment to participate in the stadium light show
- Donate to the Danny Frawley Community, part of the Black Dog Institute
DID YOU KNOW?
- 3,307 Australians died by suicide last year.
- One in five Australians experienced a mental illness in the past year.
- 75% of mental health issues begin before the age of 25.
- The Danny Frawley Community, part of the Black Dog Institute, has delivered mental fitness programs to more than 30,000 Australians.
